AFM’s cannabis awareness package

Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,

As you may be aware the Federal government has passed the Cannabis Act, which will come into force on October 17, 2018. In Manitoba, possession and use of non-medicinal cannabis will be legal for adults 19 years of age and older.

There are a number of key cannabis facts that young people and parents should understand. It is generally accepted by the medical community that young people are more likely to experience harm from regular use of cannabis before the age of 25. Cannabis can also affect important aspects of a young person’s learning and memory. In addition, cannabis use may also lead to addiction, which can have a negative effect on mental health, relationships with others, academics, extra-curricular activities, and everyday life.

Manitoba Education and Training wants to ensure that parents have the tools to talk to their children about cannabis use and its potential consequences. This past April, the Department of Health, Seniors and Active Living and Department of Education and Training helped distribute Addictions Foundation of Manitoba’s cannabis awareness package to all school divisions in the province. This package contains numerous fact sheets and infographics on cannabis and a Cannabis Talk Kit for teachers and parents. It can be accessed at the online Health and Physical Education Learning Resources page at the following address http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/physhlth/

Please take the time to read this information and to share it with others.